Social Media Blog Archive
Our Social Media Blog lists our 25 most recent posts. For all posts published earlier, please view our archive below.
Will We Ever Take These Things For Granted Again? April 30th, 2020 - I’m an introvert. I love my alone time and I love my personal space. I enjoy having time in solitude to be introspective. But what I have learned during this time of social distancing is that the more I isolate, the harder it is to…
You make all things new, Oh Lord April 15th, 2020 - Dear Jesus, As I sat at mass on Ash Wednesday at St. Johns, I never anticipated that…
Hopeful Anticipation April 6th, 2020 - DANBURY—A Reflection for Holy Week from St. Gregory the Great’s Pastoral Associate, Devon McCormick: God speaks to…
Wash your hands and say your prayers April 2nd, 2020 - The soap dispenser next to my bathroom sink has the following words printed on it: “Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere!” As someone who loves Jesus and has also cultivated a fears germs ever since she learned about…
Prayer is the most powerful tool that we have March 25th, 2020 - It’s no secret that the past few weeks have been focused on one thing: Coronavirus. If you’re…
Hope Never Disappoints March 16th, 2020 - I called my 93-year-old uncle in Pennsylvania the other day to see how he was holding up.…
Kairos Retreat: Community is Strengthened through Faith March 12th, 2020 - TRUMBULL—The Kairos retreat program at St. Joe’s was first introduced in the fall of 2018 by our…
Seeing the face of God in the comment section February 21st, 2020 - Having grown up in an increasingly digital world, I have been able to see how the use…
What would Washington and Lincoln think of us today? February 17th, 2020 - Do you remember the golden age of TV journalism when a Yes meant Yes and a No…
40 Days for Life: Prayer, Fasting, and Repentance February 12th, 2020 - “Cultural transformation doesn’t begin in Washington, Hollywood, or Wall Street, it begins with each one of us,”…
The testing by fire that makes great parents — and disciples February 4th, 2020 - There’s almost nothing that changes a person as much as becoming a parent does. When that baby…
Leave the light on a little longer this year January 29th, 2020 - I have a confession to make…my Christmas decorations are still up. Luckily for Catholics, we can conveniently…
Coffee with God January 13th, 2020 - Many communities offer a “meet and greet” with police officers and citizens at a local diner or…
It was like a calling to go and be closer January 6th, 2020 - Going to NCYC was a unique and beautiful experience. At first, I was nervous because there were…
How can we help but be filled with joy? December 16th, 2019 - How in the world can we be expected to “rejoice” today, as the third candle on the…
I felt God right next to me December 10th, 2019 - Katelyn Negron, a member of the youth group at St. Philip Church, reflects on her recent experience…
He’s by my side, always, no matter where I go December 5th, 2019 - Alex Morquecho, grade 10, a member of the youth group at St. Peter’s in Danbury reflects on…
Spiritual Entrepreneurs November 12th, 2019 - Nearly a decade ago, for many different reasons and circumstances, I decided to embark in a whole…
Mary, who made a place for Christ November 4th, 2019 - Many of us have heard about a pacemaker. It is a medical device implanted near one’s heart…
So, what is a deacon anyway? October 21st, 2019 - So, what is a deacon anyway? What’s the difference between a priest and a deacon? How long…
The Stories of Our Lives October 18th, 2019 - The term “social media” has often baffled me. I remember my parents going to the church “social”…
Being Bold for Christ October 8th, 2019 - My friends and I started a young adult group called Catholic Adventures in May of 2018 and…
A response to a longing September 26th, 2019 - It took me a while to fully understand this longing I had deep within me. It was…
Focus and Trust September 17th, 2019 - Most of us will at times (possibly multiple times) find ourselves in situations of great anxiety and…
Lay Carmelites Reflect on Silence, Prayer and the Psalms September 11th, 2019 - The 2019 Annual Lay Carmelite Retreat was held at Enders Island in Mystic, Connecticut on the weekend…
The Great Trust Fall September 3rd, 2019 - I recently was asked to participate in a senior executive level panel discussion on best advice for…
A Prayer for the First Week of School August 27th, 2019 - Master and Teacher, Bless the students who will have trouble settling down this week, whose minds are…
Fly To Me August 14th, 2019 - My little ones, my birds, my praises sing, My glory shines from each suspended wing. The birds…
Reflections from Steubenville East August 6th, 2019 - “Hail Mary, full of grace…,” so went my prayer as I walked up and down the rows…
Being a Christian First July 30th, 2019 - The following homily was delivered by Deacon Paul Kurmay, of St. Mark Parish in Stratford on July…
Who is on your list? July 23rd, 2019 - I am in the Holy Land this week with a group of young adults. We have visited… Like a Good Neighbor… July 18th, 2019 - Within a community, other than the comfort of our families and the security of our homes, little…
Success at Saint Catherine’s is measured in small steps June 19th, 2019 - Editors Note: These comments were originally delivered by Helen Burland, Executive Director of St. Catherine Center for…
Never doubt God’s power June 11th, 2019 - Lately, I’ve been pondering an expression my Father used to have when it looked like the world…
My Church Is Burning June 4th, 2019 - Like many people around the world, particularly Catholics, I was greatly saddened by the terrible fire at…
Fire of Joy May 23rd, 2019 - Ferry Galbert, a seminarian at St. John Fisher Seminary, gave the following address at the Second Annual…
Beauty breaks forth amongst the ordinary April 16th, 2019 - I sat in the hospital waiting room, waiting for inspiration. Well really, I was waiting for my…
“This person knows God.” April 10th, 2019 - “Go to Father Check – tell him I sent you. St. John Fisher Seminary – in Stamford.…
Passing the Faith to the Next Generation April 3rd, 2019 - As a baptized Christian and Roman Catholic taught to read the Word of God by my Mom,…
Remembering Fr. John Baran March 27th, 2019 - Once when Winston Churchill was told that journalists were declaring that by the year 2100, women would…
God’s Timing is Perfect March 21st, 2019 - “I’m not leaving.” I sat beside my brother’s hospital bed. My husband frowned. “What?” he said. “Nobody…
Political views can divide us as Catholics March 14th, 2019 - I’m doing a novena for Democrats and Republicans. For Catholic Democrats and Republicans. (And Independents, too, of…
Food Fast Helps Fight Against Hunger March 6th, 2019 - NORWALK—On Saturday, February 23, St. Philip Church, in collaboration with local parishes andCatholic Relief Services, held its…
The Earth Reflects His Glory February 28th, 2019 - If you know me, you know I love to be outside. I could walk for hours just…
Repeat After Me February 14th, 2019 - I know I am getting older. Most days I don’t feel it, but there are markers in…
“I will bring you to high places, just follow me” February 5th, 2019 - It was Friday, May 19th, 2017. I had recently found out I was pregnant and because of…
Discipleship is hard, and so is a wedding engagement January 30th, 2019 - It’s hard to believe that on January 27 we will celebrate one year of being engaged. Both…
There is no power but service and charity January 24th, 2019 - I am sitting in the basement of the poorest parish in the diocese, Blessed Sacrament on Union…
New Year’s resolutions to come and see January 17th, 2019 - Champagne glasses in hand, my friends and I went around the table asking what each other’s New…
Unity Between the Law and the Spirit January 8th, 2019 - Another theme that Father Cantalemessa developed in his talks at the bishops’ retreat was the unity that…
Serving God and His Church January 3rd, 2019 - When I first began to discern my call to the diaconate several years ago, I knew that…
A Profound Sense of Peace December 21st, 2018 - I looked on in nervous excitement as the two travelers in front of me laid down and…
The Lord will provide December 18th, 2018 - The young adult bible study I am attending at St. John’s in Stamford has been eye-opening. We…
A Splash of Color in the Desert December 12th, 2018 - As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of…
Waiting in Joyful Hope December 5th, 2018 - I have a particular devotion to St. Andrew, the Apostle. Being the brother of Peter, he often…
Discerning A Call In Spiritual Direction November 27th, 2018 - All that we do within our families, at our jobs, or within our parish ministries, begins with…
Thanksgiving with Martha and Mary November 19th, 2018 - A common question that runs in Chrisitan circles is: “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” I…
Exchanging Gifts With The Lord November 14th, 2018 - Those of us who are focused on spending eternity with God in heaven realize the importance of…
The Diaconate – It’s a Wonderful Life November 6th, 2018 - My life changed forever in 1999 during the midst of a successful executive career and while Jeanne…
A Time and a Place for Remembrance November 1st, 2018 - “There’s a cemetery in my backyard!” was a typical anecdote I would tell my peers growing up.…
He Offers Us Healing October 18th, 2018 - As I read and reflected upon Bishop Caggiano’s homily at the Synod on Young People, the Faith,…
Growing in Faith October 11th, 2018 - Thomas Aquinas 8th Grade Learns to Model Christ’s Love and Service in the Community Throughout the St.…
Eternity is Forever October 4th, 2018 - As I get older, I realize that struggles, however uncomfortable they may be, are truly a means…
Called to Serve September 27th, 2018 - I remember hearing from my pastor, twenty-something years ago, after playing a round of golf, something that…
Why pray for St. Michael’s Intercession? September 13th, 2018 - “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…” will be spoken, per the request of Bishop Caggiano,…
Flipping the Script September 6th, 2018 - During my first week on the streets with Christ in the City, I was very much getting…
To Whom Shall We Go? August 29th, 2018 - I have been trying to make sense of this abuse crisis in the Church right now and…
Evolution or Revolution? The Call to Abolish the Death Penalty August 21st, 2018 - When Pope Francis recently declared that the death penalty is “inadmissible” for consideration in any criminal case,…
Cultivating the Future of Our Church August 9th, 2018 - “The future is in your hearts and in your hands. God is entrusting to you the task,…
God has a mission for us August 2nd, 2018 - Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to know, love, and serve the poor, the…
“Walk humbly with your God” July 25th, 2018 - “Walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Somewhere along my journey as a Catholic, I learned about El…
Encountering Christ after the storm July 18th, 2018 - “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there my servant will be…
Let Christ enter into your mess July 11th, 2018 - “Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when…
Regaining a Missionary Spirit July 5th, 2018 - On Monday, June 2, Archbishop José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, shared on his Facebook page…
Sharing His Unwavering Love June 26th, 2018 - “When God desires a work to be wholly from His hand, He reduces all to impotence and…
How Do We Invite Christ In? June 19th, 2018 - Do you feel stuck in your quest to know God? Have you ever been around a person whose…
I saw Jesus this week, and maybe you have too June 11th, 2018 - I saw Jesus’s resurrected body. That same body that was crucified and rose almost two thousand years…
Christ: Given Up June 6th, 2018 - At Mass, Heaven and Earth meet as the Priest proclaims, “Take this, all of you, and eat…
Rejuvenated with zeal to proclaim love for the Lord May 31st, 2018 - It was hard for me to fall asleep the night before my Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate…
Living Out Our Call to Holiness May 22nd, 2018 - These last 5 years of seminary formation have gone by in a flash, and despite the natural…
The Journey of Seminary is a Journey to the Father’s Heart May 16th, 2018 - “We, for our part, love because He has first loved us” (1 John 4:19). The closer that…
Go into the World and Proclaim the Gospel May 9th, 2018 - In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ last words to His apostles before His Ascension into Heaven, completing…
The Case for World Youth Day May 3rd, 2018 - When I was first becoming more active in my Catholic faith as a high school student, I…
Celebrating One Year of The Face of Prayer April 26th, 2018 - This week The Face of Prayer will publish its 52nd video, marking one year since this campaign…
Making Time for Prayer April 17th, 2018 - “I don’t have time to pray. I’m too busy.” This is the usual excuse I use time…
Reflecting on Gaudete et Exsultate April 9th, 2018 - Pope Francis has a message for us: Do not be afraid of holiness,” he encourages. “It will…
Overcoming Spiritual Blindness April 6th, 2018 - During these days of Easter week, the Gospels recount the early appearance accounts of the Risen Lord…
Putting Our Sufferings Before the Cross March 29th, 2018 - Have you ever been going through a tough time, and somebody told you to “put it before…
“Another conference? Why is this relevant?” March 23rd, 2018 - Pope Francis has convened the 15th Synod of Bishops for this October. Perhaps you might remember the…
Confession: Meeting God One-On-One March 15th, 2018 - As a seminarian, I have had the privilege of having great spiritual directors. One of the first…
Made for More: A Reflection March 8th, 2018 - FAIRFIELD—Heavy winds and sideways hail is how Convivio began this year, much like the first which was…
“What Are You Doing With The Grace You Receive Here?” February 22nd, 2018 - What is a sacrament? It is an outward sign of God’s grace instituted by Christ. I never…
No Greater Love Than This February 13th, 2018 - This year’s dual feast of St. Valentine and Ash Wednesday is more than a mere coincidence. Both…
Abide: To sit, remain, dwell. February 6th, 2018 - I prayed a lot about a word that I would keep in mind during our pilgrimage to…
“But Why?” – A Reflection from the Holy Land January 30th, 2018 - When our group set out on our pilgrimage to the Holy Land a few weeks ago, we…
Saying “Yes” to God January 24th, 2018 - On January 5th a group of “strangers” and I embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land,…
“What are you looking for?” January 18th, 2018 - “What are you looking for?” This was the focal point of our pilgrimage. That throughout this journey,…
Our Celebration is Just Beginning January 2nd, 2018 - I’ve always loved tradition. Even when I was little, Christmas wasn’t complete without going to Mass with…
“How Can This Be?” December 21st, 2017 - “How can this be?” These are the words we hear Mary respond to the Angel in Luke’s…
Hope Was Everywhere! November 30th, 2017 - 30 of us began our pilgrimage to NCYC from the Bridgeport Diocese to Yonkers. What a beautiful…
Living Our Faith November 15th, 2017 - As a member of the High School Apostles, I still picture my earliest days within the group.…
It’s Still a Wonderful Life November 8th, 2017 - I was from Catholic family and attended Catholic elementary school. My friends and I would dress “like…
The Importance of Youth Group November 2nd, 2017 - It is hard to find a place where you can express your faith in high school; let…
A Student’s Experience at Fatima October 25th, 2017 - On October 12, 2017, three of my classmates and I went on a pilgrimage to Fatima for…
I Was A Stranger, And You Welcomed Me October 19th, 2017 - When I was asked to accompany our Diocesan trip to Ethiopia with Catholic Relief Services and Turning…
Fruits of World Youth Day September 27th, 2017 - In August 2016, I was fortunate enough to travel to Poland with my church. On that trip,…
Going Into Senior Year September 26th, 2017 - Strong faith in high school is beautiful and sometimes rare. Joining a parish youth group or an…
“I Love You” September 20th, 2017 - In 8th grade, I was preparing to make my confirmation, and as every other kid in the…
Catholic Education: Form, Inform, Transform September 14th, 2017 - Last week, I had the opportunity to welcome over 850 of our teachers and administrators back to…
Evangelization Through Friendship September 1st, 2017 - This August I attended a retreat in Centerburg, Ohio, called School of the New Evangelization (SNE) hosted…
New Season, New Opportunities August 31st, 2017 - I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with this time of the year. On the one hand, I…
#SundayScripture: Who Do You Say That I Am? August 24th, 2017 - “Who do you say that I am?” Such a powerful question coming from Our Lord today in…
Encountering Christ in the Diocese of Bridgeport August 23rd, 2017 - The first Sundays of my life were spent in the pews of Saint Joseph’s Church in Brookfield.…
#ScriptureSunday: Humility August 18th, 2017 - A mother, out of love for her daughter, goes out of her way to find her daughter…
Hand in Hand with Our Lady: Walking the Camino de Santiago August 17th, 2017 - The most powerful thing about the Camino de Santiago is what it teaches you about yourself. Along…
#ScriptureSunday: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” August 14th, 2017 - What is your “walking on the water” moment? Sounds like a shocking question, but I promise it…
The Lessons of Mary’s Assumption August 9th, 2017 - We were never meant to fear death. It was never God’s intention that we be afraid to…
#ScriptureSunday: “Lord, it is good for us to be here” August 3rd, 2017 - God’s love is abundant. Something tells me this isn’t news to anyone, because we hear tales…
It’s Never Too Late August 1st, 2017 - I was raised Southern Baptist, with my paternal grandfather, 4 uncles and 7 cousins all being Southern…
Searching for Something Deeper July 25th, 2017 - This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend Steubenville NYC, a conference for teens hosted by…
Clear Distinctions July 18th, 2017 - Following the Convocation of Catholic Leaders I began thinking that I should excuse myself from any church…
Lessons Learned from Service July 12th, 2017 - This past May, I had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia with Catholic Relief Services, as part…
FOCUS on the Lord: A Missionary’s Tale July 6th, 2017 - This past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to serve with FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic…
Peter and Paul: THAT is the plan June 29th, 2017 - The story goes that when Jesus arrived in Heaven after the Resurrection, the angels welcomed Him with…
For the Service of God’s People June 21st, 2017 - It is a sobering realization to recognize that I stand on the verge of ordination to the…
God writes straight with crooked lines June 14th, 2017 - There is a centuries-old aphorism, sometimes attributed to St. Teresa of Avila, that states, “God writes straight…
Graduation: “This is Good. God is Good.” June 7th, 2017 - As my classmates and I processed into the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception…
United in the Spirit May 31st, 2017 - The progression of readings on Pentecost is quite beautiful for a modern-day listener. We live in a…
Why the Ascension? May 24th, 2017 - Christ gathered his disciples around him, and after Christ blessed them, he ascended into heaven. Imagine what…
Take it to Our Lady May 18th, 2017 - My father was the one who introduced me to Mary. Every day on the way to school,…
There is no other answer but Jesus Himself May 11th, 2017 - C.S. Lewis, reflecting on his own prayer, once said, “I know now, Lord, why you utter no…
Will we recognize Him when he comes? May 3rd, 2017 - It happened so fast. “For Pete’s sake,” he said, “some homeless guy just came in here for…
Uniting Behind Mercy April 27th, 2017 - “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”(Mt 5:7) As a child of God living in…
An Encounter with Christ April 20th, 2017 - I am often amazed at what Hollywood can do with some of the special effects in the…
Easter Reflection: Share the Good News! April 11th, 2017 - In the Gospel for today, it is said that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were “fearful,…
Easter Reflection: Peer into the Empty Tomb April 11th, 2017 - A few years ago, when I was in seminary, I was fortunate enough to be able to…
Holy Week Reflection: Now We Wait April 11th, 2017 - It’s Holy Saturday and our Lenten pilgrimage is coming to a close. If you have not been…
Holy Week Reflection: The Paradox of the Cross April 11th, 2017 - What a paradoxical phrase “Good Friday” can be for some of us, considering what we commemorate today:…
Holy Week Reflection: The Gift of the Eucharist April 11th, 2017 - We’ve finally made it. It’s the Triduum! These next three days are some of the most powerful,…
Holy Week Reflection: The Triumph of Love April 11th, 2017 - Consider Jesus in the Agony in the Garden. Weighed down with fear and anxiety, crippled with weariness…
Holy Week Reflection: Only in the Cross April 11th, 2017 - In today’s Gospel, we hear Saint John’s account of Judas’s early departure from the Last Supper. Saint…
Holy Week Reflection: Turn to Jesus April 7th, 2017 - And so we enter into Holy Week. Yesterday, we celebrated Our Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, greeting…
Holy Week Reflection: “I do as the Father has commanded me” April 5th, 2017 - Each day, two desires contest with each other within us. The first is a desire for satisfaction,…
Preparing for Holy Week- Don’t Give Up! April 5th, 2017 - Somehow we find ourselves in the fifth week of Lent, just days away from the start of…
Special Reflection: “And Jesus Wept” March 31st, 2017 - “and Jesus wept…” Jesus, upon finding that his friend Lazarus died, wept. He didn’t just feel a…
Are we there yet? March 29th, 2017 - As with any journey we may be on, whether a holiday trip, a much-needed vacation with family…
Meeting Jesus: One Post at a Time March 22nd, 2017 - “So you just…sit in your office and tweet all day?” I have worked for the Diocese of…
Yes, Jesus you can have my heart. March 13th, 2017 - Here are the things that have consumed my heart and mind in the last week: shop; finish…
“Whatever You do to the Least of These, You do to Me.” March 9th, 2017 - St. John Chrysostom in the 4th century preached, “Whenever…you see a poor believer, imagine that you behold…
Lent Prepares Us to be More Joyful Than Ever Before March 1st, 2017 - When I was maybe eight or nine, I gave up TV for Lent. At the time, it…
Attaching Ourselves to Important Things February 22nd, 2017 - As we approach the season of Lent, it is easy to put all of our attention into…
Preparing for Lent February 17th, 2017 - Growing up in a Catholic family, Lent was not particularly my favorite time of year. The idea…
Jesus is My Quarterback February 8th, 2017 - February 5th was the BIG Day. It was SUPER BOWL Sunday. It was the opportune moment for…
The Presentation of the Lord February 2nd, 2017 - As was Jewish Law, 40 days after the birth of a male child, the mother was to…
Having Faith in College January 25th, 2017 - I’m often asked how I keep my faith life alive and well in college. The answer is…
Behold, I Make All Things New January 19th, 2017 - Another year has concluded and most of us barely crawled across the finish line. Reflecting on 2016,…
The Greatest Gift that God Gives Us January 12th, 2017 - With the Baptism of the Lord, we arrive at the end of the Christmas Season, a time…
Know That Christ Travels With You! January 5th, 2017 - When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from…